June 29th, 2016
Miles Hiked: 11
Start Location: Mile 1006
End Location: Sonora Pass Mile 1017
End Location GPS: 38.32912, -119.63530
We woke up early, around 4 AM. The mosquitos were out at full force even in the morning hours, on account of warm temperatures. It was difficult taking a poo as they swarmed my buttocks trying to get a taste (why they would want to get anywhere near there is beyond my comprehension).
We ascended up to a ridge some 2k feet from where we were camped and were treated to a splendid orange and red sunrise through patchy clouds.
We traversed the ridge for a long time, a breathtaking walk that gave us great views of what we just had hiked through and what lay ahead.
When we finally started descending down to Sonora Pass, where we would eventually hitch into northern Kennedy Meadows, we came to another very scary snow section. It was a long chute of a glissade that involved walking horizontal against slushy snow to get to. As I was crossing I slipped and started sliding down the bowl face, digging my heels and hands into the snow to finally come to a stop. My heart raced faster than a hummingbird flaps its wings. To my dismay I lost hold of a trekking pole and it lay up above me where I fell.
I stood up, brushed myself off and stared up at Carolyn. She made her way slowly trying not to slip like I did. She grabbed my pole and sat on her butt, using her ice axe to slow her slide, but eventually lost control and slid down toward me. She was scared and stunned, some scrapes on her knuckles from digging into the snow to stop.
We sat and caught our breath, put on our microspikes, and traversed across to a rocky outcropping. From there we decended with little difficulty to the bottom and to the pass.
I hate these parts. Other people absolutely love them- which I will never understand. I really hope this is the last of stuff like this- it’s getting REALLY old.
We got a ride from the Mayor down to Kennedy Meadows, who is also hoking the PCT this year. He had a rental car to pick back up his dog (dogs are not allowed in the National Parks). The Mayor actually has the number one best selling book on Amazon about the Appalachian Trail. I think it is called Appalachian Trials- I’ll have to confirm when I actually get internet service one of these days.
Two more days hiking then some zeros with my sister for Fourth of July weekend!
